Nocturnal Journal

WwW with Jaci Burton

Are you thinking about our planet? When you go about your no doubt very busy day, are you thinking about how everything you do impacts the world we live in? From the cost of gasoline to the burning of fossil fuels to the amount of garbage we create that’s littering up the landfills, we have to take a step back and realize that we can make a difference and create a better planet for our children and all the children that come after them. And save money!

You’re busy. I know you are. And one of the last things you want to think about is paper vs plastic vs greenhouse gases vs global warming vs what the hell does it all mean? But the fact is, excess carbon dioxide is destroying our planet, endangering animals, damaging our air quality, changing our weather patterns and forever altering the landscape of our Earth. And we’re creating it by filling out landfills with trash and filling our air with it via the cars we drive and the vehicles that bring us the food we eat. And much much more than that. But it’s not too late. There are simple things you can do that can not only help to save the planet, they can save you time, money and energy. And as busy as we all are, I’m all about saving just about anything.

This is by no means a comprehensive list, but it’s a simple start to get you on your way to helping save the planet, and of course, a little money. And with the rising cost of gasoline, who doesn’t want to save a little money?

1. Recycle. It’s the simplest, easiest thing to do to save our planet, and you can even make money doing it. Steel and aluminum prices are at an all time high. Go get yourself a big plastic garbage can and line it with a garbage bag. Get one of those handy can crushers (under $20 at any hardware store or Wal Mart probably has them too) and mount it on the wall. When you consume a can of soda or beer, rinse it out, crush it and toss it in your plastic garbage can. When the bag is full, pull it out and when you have several bags filled, take them to the local aluminum recycling center. All you have to do is Google to find your local recycling center, and take your bags there (make sure to find the ones who pay for aluminum). They will weigh the bags and pay you (average price per pound for recycled aluminum is around $.60.) What a great way to get some money back on your purchases!
2. Stop using paper or plastic at the grocery store. I don’t know about you, but I have a ton of my own canvas bags and I bring those to the store to use for my groceries. If you don’t have any, most stores sell them now for as little as $1 a bag. Think of all the plastic you’ll keep out of the landfill by using your own grocery bags!
3. Recycle your plastic bottles and newspapers too. It’s so easy to find recycling centers (if your current trash program doesn’t offer recycling.) All you have to do is look them up on the internet, buy extra cans to toss in paper and plastic, and you’re saving your planet. And if you’re one of the lucky ones whose trash program offers recycling, PLEASE use it!
4. Unplug any electrical devices in your house that aren’t currently being used. That toaster or blow dryer and curling iron don’t need to be plugged in unless you’re using them. And when plugged in, they use energy. How simple is it to save energy by unplugging them.
5. Turn your thermostat up 2 degrees in the summer and down 2 degrees in the winter. Wear less clothes in the summer and toss on a sweater and blanket in the winter. You’re saving the environment, and your heating and air conditioning bill!
6. Turn off electrical devices you’re not using. The stereo, the computer, the television. Anything you’re not currently using, turn it off. This saves a ton of electricity. And if you only use it periodically, like I said in #5, unplug it!
7. Whenever you can, take fewer trips. I make a list of things I need to do in town, then do them all at once instead of making many back and forth trips several times a week. I save a lot of gas this way (and who doesn’t want to save gas right now?) and I put less carbon emissions into the environment too.
8. Buy from local growers and buy organic foods. Food grown locally is not transported via gas guzzling semi trucks, and locally grown fruits and vegetables are delicious, plus you’re supporting your local growers. Organic foods have not been treated with and do not fill the atmosphere with ozone depleting pesticides. And they’re better for you and your families!
9. Only wash clothes and dishes when you have a full load. This uses less energy and will save you money. Wash as many of your clothes as you can in cold water, which is more energy efficient than hot. Trust me, whites will still get just as clean in cold water. And bleach works just as effectively in cold water as in hot.
10. Speaking of bleach, chemicals add to the depletion of the ozone layer. You can clean your house effectively with three simple things –lemon, baking soda and vinegar. They are more natural substitutes for harsh chemical cleaners, and cheaper too! Here’s a great article about using these items to clean with: ARTICLE

You can read more about global warming and there are more action tips to save energy and money HERE.

More in depth information about global warming can be found here and here.

A global organization to effect solutions to the climate crisis: Here

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Jaci Burton is a multi published author who writes in many genres. She writes for Bantam Dell, Berkley, Ellora’s Cave and Samhain Publishing. She’s won several awards, including the Romantic Times BookReview Magazine’s Reviewer’s Choice Award for Best Erotic Paranormal.